Panbo

The Marine Technology Hub

Category: Communications

9

Communications / AIS / The future

Garmin announces Signal VHF radios, Vesper’s DNA lives on

I’ve been waiting for this announcement for a long time. Ordinarily, VHF announcements from major marine manufacturers aren’t that exciting. Manufacturers often rely on third parties to design and build their radios. Those radios frequently just complete the line and ensure a brand matching helm. But, Garmin bought Vesper, an AIS specialist, in January of 2022. My piece covering that acquisition asked if Vesper’s innovation would continue. We’ve had to wait more than four years, but the pictures of the Signal series radios look promising.

8

Mobile Apps / Wireless & Apps / Network & control / Handheld / Gadgets / Communications / Safety & SAR

Garmin Quatix 8, compelling marine watch option now with inReach

The Quatix 8 might just accomplish something no other Garmin (or any other brand) watch has done so far. Displace my Apple Watch. I am deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem. I use an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Airpods, and Apple Watch. So, getting me to switch out one of those pieces is an uphill battle. The Quatix 8 offers enough improvements over prior Quatix watches, and my Apple Watch Ultra, to make a strong case for daily wear. If you’re like me and happy with your current wristwear, you might be wondering what the Quatix could possibly deliver to compell a change. For me, the answer comes down to four things — not all of them marine related — that weigh the scale in Garmin’s favor. Those four things are: thorough integration with Garmin navigation electronics, extremely long battery life, robust fitness features, and now, satellite communications from my wrist.

4

Press Releases / Communications / Safety & SAR

Garmin quatix 8 Pro nautical smartwatch featuring inReach technology

Garmin today announced quatix 8 Pro, the ultimate nautical smartwatch equipped with inReach technology for two-way satellite and cellular connectivity ** – giving mariners access to text messaging, voice calling, SOS capabilities and more without a cell phone connection. Packed with essential marine features to control the vessel, the watch’s enhanced boat mode brings boating apps to the forefront when mariners are out on the water, then…

7

Communications / Good Gear (non electronic)

Attwood Powerbase antenna and light mount, solving problems simply

Panbo covers a lot of high technology, complex products. Often that coverage runs thousands of words to explain the technology. Attwood’s Powerbase isn’t that kind of product. Put simply, this is an electrically actuated antenna mount that raises and lowers your antenna or running light at the touch of a button. It does one thing and it does it well.

23

Wireless & Apps / Communications

Starlink 2025, here we go again

I’ve run out of ways to say that Starlink changes things a lot. My most frequent refrain about SpaceX’s low earth orbit satellite internet offering is the only constant is change. For a while, it looked like they were going to make a liar out of me. We haven’t seen much change recently. But fear not! Starlink is back with another round of major changes. This time those changes affect their mobile priority data and plans and most notably, eliminate unlimited high speed data from those offers.

6

Wireless & Apps / Network & control / Communications / NMEA 2000, 0183 & Signal K

Icom’s M510 Evo VHF radio, a modern feature packed radio with an app

Icom introduced the world to its M510 about 3 and a half years ago. The M510 came with a slew of features including a bright, crisp color display, WiFi, AIS receive option, remote CommandMic second station capability, and control of the radio via a phone app. However, access to a NMEA 2000 network as well as hailer functionality required a separate interface box. Now, Icom has refreshed the M510 line with the M510 Evo. The Evo offers all the M510’s features and NMEA 2000 and a hailer with listen-back in a single unit. So, with a new radio from Icom and a new boat for me, the timing was for an extended test on the water.

2

LiFePO4 / Cabin & deck gear / Panbo & misc. / Gadgets / Communications / What's on board... / Electrical & Engines / NMEA 2000, 0183 & Signal K / Good Gear (non electronic) / Monitoring & Tracking

Putting Panboat 2.0 to work with test gear from Epoch, Icom, Lenco, Scanstrut, Sensar, Tocaro Blue, and Victron

I have owned Panboat 2.0 for a little over 3 months. Unfortunately, I haven’t made as much testing headway as I hoped courtesy of a very busy fall with boat shows, speaking engagements, and dodging hurricanes. I leave for Amsterdam to attend METS shortly, but once home, I don’t have another show until Miami in mid-February. So, it’s high time I get to work outfitting the new Edgewater 280CX with the goodies needed for testing and begin rolling in some new technology.

3

Press Releases / Communications / Safety & SAR

Garmin introduces inReach Messenger Plus SOS satellite communicator with photo and voice messaging

Garmin today announced the inReach Messenger Plus, its first satellite communicator with photo and voice messaging in addition to global two-way texting, location sharing and SOS capabilities. Lauded for a durable and temperature-resistant design, Garmin inReach devices are built for those that explore beyond cell coverage – on land, in the sky or on the water. With a battery life that can last for weeks…

6

Navigation / Panbo & misc. / Communications

A new Panbo test boat, more space for more stuff

A lot has changed since early 2020 when I took delivery of my first, outboard powered, small test boat. Since then, the world experienced a global pandemic, Hurricane Ian devastated Fort Myers and surrounding areas, and we lost Have Another Day. Also, though less dramatic, I found my testing shifted towards the small boat and away from testing on a 57-footer. At the same time, after four years of installing equipment on her, Panbo(at) was beginning to look like the proverbial five pound bag stuffed with ten (or more) pounds of… stuff. So, I did the only logical thing and bought a bigger bag!